Staff Spotlight: Grant Hower

Grant Hower served in the U.S. Army as a computer detection systems repair specialist from 2007-2010. While getting ready to deploy, Grant was involved in a training accident, which resulted in a significant head injury and multiple fractured vertebrae and ribs. Not too long after the accident, Grant was medically discharged from the Army, and without the structured environment military service provided, he struggled with his transition to civilian life. Eventually, Grant was referred to Swords to Plowshares by a former client who received housing and employment services from our organization in 2009-2010 (and ultimately became Grant’s wife).

Grant initially came to Swords to Plowshares to seek help from our Employment & Training team, after completing the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. Thanks to VR&E, Grant had already obtained his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification and didn’t need to look very far for the perfect job. Based on his education and experience, our employment specialists suggested that Grant apply to be one of our community counselor. He interviewed for the job and was selected from a group of highly-qualified applicants.

Grant was thrilled at the opportunity to give back to—and share his knowledge with—the veteran community. In his role at Swords to Plowshares, Grant provides case management, writes referrals, educates veterans about additional benefits and resources, and runs a harm reduction group and a 12-step group for veterans who are struggling with substance abuse and other addiction-related issues.

Grant is a model employee and truly exemplifies our “vets helping vets” model. Grant said the most rewarding part of his job is clients telling him that he has helped change his or her life. “Hearing things like that is what keeps me motivated to not only help more veterans, but to further educate myself so I can become an even better resource for them.”

Check out our other stories on our Spring 2018 Newsletter.